Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

You know when you see a movie or read a book and you never ever want it to end? Where you wish it could go on forever? Well that is what happened today when I finally saw Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince.

There were a few false starts - we were supposed to go on Friday, which got changed to Saturday. I left someone else with the fun task of getting the tickets and they waited too long and it was sold out. And people wonder why I often prefer going to the movies by myself? The important thing is that I saw it.

A-maz-ing. Fantastical. Pick another superlative and slot it in. Cause that is how good it was. This was not my favourite of the books. Although there were some major plot points (ie Dumbledore being killed and learning about Horcruxes), I always felt that this book was kind of a "filler" - all leading up to the final book. But this movie was so good and was the perfect balance of teenage angst and moving the story forward.

I have the same problems as many have with this film. Why did Harry just stand there when Dumbledore was killed? It doesn't make sense. Harry is a Gryffindor - brave and stalwart and loyal - even if he was told by Dumbledore (& Snape) to do nothing, why would he have listened? It doesn't ring true and I would like to hear an explanation from someone as to why this happened.

Minor things though, that do not diminish the fabulosity of the movie. Alan Rickman is sublime. Noone can enunciate the way that man does. Or sweep out of a room or down a staircase. He is the perfect Severus Snape. I know that a movie like this doesn't garner awards in Hollyweird, but i truly feel that his performance is Award worthy. The same could be said of Jim Broadbent. His portrayal of Professor Slughorn was perfection. And as always, there are no words for Helena Bonham Carter as the maniacal Bellatrix Lestrange.

The younger cast members were dealing with their own issues during the movie, which was just as much about the perils of teen romance as it was about the eternal battle between good and evil. Jessie Cave as Lavender Brown was hysterical. She captured the crazy stalker girlfriend perfectly.

The heart of this story for me though, is and always will be the relationship between Harry, Ron & Hermoine and these three young actors have shown so much growth in the almost 10 years that they have been playing these characters. The camaraderie between them and the clear affection that they have for each other is lovely to watch. For me, Emma Watson in particular is a standout, portraying the confusion, jealousy and forbidden love for Ron with a fantastic realism and honesty.

I loved loved loved the movie. I want to see it again. And probably will at some point in the next few weeks. Loved the quidditch. Loved the teen angst bullsh*t. Loved the battle (or non-battle) between good and evil. Loved the tribute to Dumbledore when he was slain. Loved it all.

Beyond crappy that it is another year until I get to do all this again........ Booooooooooo!!!!!! That sux balls.

XO

Harry Potter Opens In NYC

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince premiered in North America last night and many of the stars were on hand for the sixth instalment in this amazing franchise. The cast, including stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, as well as Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Snape), Bonnie Wright (Ginny) and Tom Felton (Draco) took a break from filming the last 2 films in the series to walk the red carpet in New York City.

There has been much made of the darker turn this film has taken, but much of the talk on the red carpet revolved around how awkward it was for the costar to kiss on film. Much anticipated make out scenes between Harry and Ginny as well as the jealousy and eventual lip-lock between Ron and Hermoine were discussed at all ends of the red carpet last night. All four of the young stars commented that they felt like they were kissing a sibling as they had been friends since the first movie had been made in 2001. Eww.

If you weren't aware, I am basically counting down the hours, minutes and seconds until this movie comes out. Although this was not one of my favourites amongst the seven books, I have a strangely good feeling about the movie. I can't wait to see Jim Broadbent as Slughorn and the scenes I have seen with Malfoy look amazing. I have heard that they have made some substantial changes to the book. If it results in more Helena Bonham Carter (which I think it does), I will be okay. She is amazingness.

Emma and Daniel also made appearances on Letterman on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

Emma was grilled about her "wardrobe malfunction" during the London Premiere and her response again shows how classy, mature and poised this girl is. She also talked again about her plans to attend University in the US in the fall. Apparently she is planning on having the complete college experience and will be living on campus, with a roommate. No body guards, or 12 million dollar apartments for her - she will be just a regular college student - hopefully the paps will leave her alone! But could you imagine if her roommate was a rabid HP fan? Or one of those crazy Twi-hards, who hate HP? I wouldn't wish that on anyone, especially Emma Watson!

Daniel was let off a little easier by Letterman, who presented the messy Radcliffe with a Dustbuster as a birthday gift. Letterman used to irritate me with his interviewing style. Now I find it quite clever. And damn funny.

This time next week, I will hopefully have seen the movie and can move onto obsessing about something else!

XO

Harry Potter Premiers In London

Ummm, have you heard? There is this little movie called Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince that is set to open on July 15th. I may have mentioned it just a few times. A few times, like incessantly, continuously, unendingly for the past month or so.

The world premier was held in London last night and above & below are a few pictures from the event. Looks like the weather did not cooperate, but Emma Watson totally worked that umbrella. She looked stunning - total amazingness. Love her dress. Proenza Schouler apparently. Love it, love it love it. I am also enjoying Daniel Radcliffe's ensemble. Although he is a little pale, the suit (especially the button closure), the shirt - the whole look is pretty impressive. Rupert Grint on the other hands could at least have washed his hair. I guess I should cut him a little slack - he is recovering from Swine Flu.

Note the white ribbons the cast is wearing on their wrists (you can see it on Daniel's image below). This is in honour of their castmate Rob Knox - who played Ravenclaw student Marcus Belby in the film. Knox was stabbed in May of last year while defending his older brother during an apparent bar fight. Good show from the cast who are wearing the ribbons to show solidarity with all victims of knife crimes and to support Knox's family.

Movie open here in Vancity on July 15th. I will see you there!

XO

Daniel Radcliffe does Esquire Magazine

The star of the upcoming Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince opens up in the August edition of the magazine about being bullied in school, why he is in ballet class, why he would never hook up with Emma Watson, how the cool kids in school often turn out as losers, and how he doesn't believe in God. I very much enjoy Daniel Radcliffe. He has literally grown up before our eyes and I find his candor and honesty quite refreshing.

I especially love when he says about the teenage cast: "We were all unbelievably horny from about the third film to probably the end of the fifth; then it all settled down." Ha ha ha LMAO! Lots of great places to hide and make out on a set like that I think! All three of the leads (Dan, Rupert Grint & Emma Watson) have repeatedly asserted that they never played who has the biggest wand during filming of any of the movies. I actually believe them. I think that they have a sibling relationship going on as opposed to rampant teenage horniness.

In the interview, Daniel also talks briefly about his religious beliefs, which I am sure has the powers that be in Harry Potter world cringing into their butter beers. Dan calmly declared that he is a "relaxed" atheist, before going on to joke "There we go Dan, that's half of America not going to see the next Harry Potter film on the back of that comment". We shall see if this holds true once the film opens on July 15th. Geesh, I hope not. People still go and see Tom Cruise's movies in spite of his Scientology beliefs (well, not Valkyrie, but War of the Worlds & the Mission Impossible series), and Madonna continues to sell out arenas around the world even though she is the Queen of Kaballah. But those Crazy Christians in middle America may surprise us all! Some of the more extreme groups have already denounced the books as "witchcraft" so Dan's innocuous comments probably won't make a difference to them anyway. It will simply be further fuel for their crazy, hate filled fires.

Daniel also understands that he won't be able to ride on the coat-tails of the Harry Potter franchise forever. While he has done a few side projects over the years (most notably his highly praised stint on Broadway in Equus), most of his resume is wrapped up in this series. Radcliffe acknowledges that his competition for future roles will likely be more well rounded performers straight out of Drama school - actors who have also been learning singing and dancing etc. Therefore Daniel has started taking Ballet lessons to level the playing field. I like this statement. I admire that he is not gonna sit back and wait for the roles to come to him. Yet another example of how level headed and down to earth these kids are.

He could just sit there with his reported 30 million pounds and pick and choose roles that are handed to him. But no, Daniel is apparently going to go out and audition for roles and continue to work on and better his craft. Love him.

Oh, in case you didn't know, Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince opens on July 15th.

XO

Ronald Weasley had Swine Flu?!?!

Rupert Grint who plays Ronald Weasley in the Harry Potter films is reportedly recovering from a "mild bout" of the Swine Flu. According to his publicist, Rupert took a few days off from filming the 7th and final movie in the series - Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows and will be well enough to attend the much anticipated world premiere of The Half Blood Prince in the London on Tuesday.

Yikes! This is the first case of "celebrity" swine flu (or H1N1 Virus as it is known called here in Canada) that I have heard of. Considering that the latest reports say there are over 77,000 cases worldwide, including over 300 deaths, I guess it was just a matter of time. This isalso taking place amid reports that the number of cases that are resistant to Tamiflu (the main drug being used to combat the flu) is on the increase.

I am glad he is okay and he is apparently already back at work on Deathly Hallows. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince open here in Vancity on July 15th.

XO

OMFG - New Harry Potter Clip

A new clip for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is making it's way around the interweb. In this scene The Burrows is under attack by Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback. This is not a scene from the book, but I can let that slide as it looks fricking awesome.

Outstanding effects, bigger build up and development of Harry & Ginny's relation ship, and more Helena Bonham Carter. 3 big checks in the plus column in my books! I am sure that more clips will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. At least I hope so!

Have I mentioned that this film opens July 15th. Less than two weeks. Can't wait. Midnight screening looking more and more likely. I am such a dork.

XO

Harry Potter Countdown Continues

Only 2 weeks to go until Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince opens. I know, I know, I need to find something else to harp on about. But I can't help it. So looking forward to this movie. Although it is not one of my favourite of the books, I have a feeling it will translate very well onto the big screen. In case you haven't seen it, here is the trailer. The movie open on July 15th. You must go and see it.

Couldn't you just die? Aren't these amazing and wonderful. I love how some of the "minor" characters - such as Draco, Luna, Ginny and even Snape are getting their props in these posters. I kinda wish there was a Neville poster. That would make me do the happy! And the one of Harry & Ginny. Yay! OMFG the waiting for this is so hard. Ugh. I still say that patience is so totally overrated as a virtue.

Emma Watson will be gracing the cover of Elle UK's August edition & again, she looks flawless. In the accompanying article Emma reveals that she will be attending Columbia University in the fall and hopes to "fade into the background" for a while. While she doesn't definitively say nada to continuing her acting career, it seems as though Ms Watson is going to spend the next few years at least focused on having some semblance of a normal life. Kudos to her. Again I say, what is so different in the UK that their childhood stars seem so grounded and normal? I am sure that there are some salacious stories out there, but the three stars of Harry Potter seem to have kept out of the spotlight. It kind of makes me lurve the HP movies even more!

She looks amazing right?

Okay, off to watch Real World Cancun. Horny, slutty beach-clad bimbos and himbos unite!

XO

Monday June 29th

One day left. One day left until no work for over 10 days. Tons of stuff to do though, tomorrow will be a busy day.... ugh. But, one day left.

Attack of the Vagina Virgin's

The Jonas Brothers are playing the first of 2 shows in Vancity this evening. I think I can hear the screaming from here. Sometimes at night, I wake up to the screaming of the tweens. You? I had a discussion today about whether I would go if given free tix. My conclusion was not even if they were front row centre. My ears couldn't take it - all those girls losing their sh*t for these purity ring wearing manufactured stars.

And I chose today of all days to go to the Costco across the street from GM Place. Thankfully the screaming hadn't begun yet. But there was quite the line-up of young inappropriately dressed girls waiting to get into the soundcheck. How are they allowed out of the house like that? And who is paying for these clothes?

What is rather interesting is that neither of their 2 shows are sold out. You can get tix below face value. I know people that did (for their younger siblings apparently....). In this Global Economic Crisis, parents seem hesitant to shell out the over $100 for good seats. I am sure that the Jo-Bro's put on a good show - I am sure it is slick & polished; they will probably even mention Michael Jackson as an inspiration - ugh.

But for talent, pure raw talent, skip the Jonas Brothers & spend $35 seeing Xavier Rudd & Joshua Radin at the Commodore from July 1-3.

Joe Jackson = disgusting human being

Did you see him at the BET Awards? WTF was that? I am not even the biggest MJ fan, but come on, even I was disgusted by his appearance and the words coming out of his mouth. I can't even type words I am so repulsed by his behaviour & actions. People wonder how & why Michael became the person that he was, why he clearly had so many "issues" - just look at Joe. He is the reason that Michael Jackson became the shy, eccentric damaged individual he was.

And I heard his explanation the next day. I don't buy it. The man is sickening and I hope that he is kept far far away from Michael's kids. He would do his best to f*ck them up as well. All those other parents of child stars seem like paragons of goodness and virtue compared to him. Well, maybe not Dina Lohan. See below.....

Lilo's Birthday Week Bonanza Begins.

Lindsay Lohan celebrated the week of her birthday as an good recovering addict does. Poolside in Vegas, cavorting and posing for as many paps s she could find. That seems like a logical thing to do right? And it is only day one of her Birthday week. She changed no less than five times in the course of one afternoon, all the better to pimp out her new self-tanner line. No sign of Sam, but the week is young. Oh and Ali - she was there. Of course she was. She needs to watch and learn from her big sis how to play the game. Ugh.

I am torn about Lindsay Lohan. I actually think she has some talent and that if she got her sh*t together she could have a solid career. I mean it. Srsly, did you see Prairie Home Companion? She held her own against Meryl Streep & Lily Tomlin in a Robert fricking Altman movie. It was impressive. But she has a narcissistic fame whore for a mother & a bible bashing felon, who is also a media whore for a father - with such amazing role models could you really expect anything else.

True Blood Recap: "My Wife Doesn't just give her pudding to anyone"

Yay! Lafayette is out of the basement! That makes me do the happy. Eric & Sookie also continued their eye-f*ckery. I really hope that she ditches bland Bill and instead Sookie and Eric can indulge in the hot, dirty vampire sex. Be still my quivering loins. Jason is having trouble with the whole redemption thing, and you know you it is just a matter of time until he eats some more of Sarah's pudding.

I cannot wait until Evan Rachel Wood starts on this show. Lesbian Vampire Queen - can't wait for it. Do you recall her killer outfit at the SAG Awards this January. Those shoes were total fabulosity. I can forgive her slip with Marilyn Manson due to those shoes. Love her.

Music Monday - from my keyboard to your i-pod

Recent Purchases (yes, purchases)

Pete Yorn - Back & Fourth. Mellow and fabulous

Regina Spektor - Far. Total amazingness

Away We Go Soundtrack - featuring Alexi Murdoch. There are no words for this man. I can't believe I have never heard of him before this weekend. Love, love, love.

**Update on Alexi Murdoch. Found out today that not only have I heard of him before, I have seen him in concert. He opened for Alanis Morisette last year. I knew his voice sounded familiar in I have heard it live kind of way, but I just couldn't figure it out. Thanks Emma for the reminder **

I have also been overplaying Laura Marling a lot this past week. She is fantastical. I wish she would come to Vancity and play. That would make me so beyond happy. Personal favourite song is Ghosts. Check out the video below:

Leonna Naess is also on frequent rotation on my I-pod. I am digging the chick music at the moment. Not sure why. Leona opened for Ray LaMontagne last year and she was phenomenal. This is one of my faves of hers: Don't Use My Broken Heart

Hot British Ginge

And it is not Hot Harry I am talking about. There appears to be more than one red-haired Brit causing quiveration these days. Haven't seen much of the three stars of Harry Potter recently, except for filming. It seems the supporting cast will be left to walk the red carpet for Premiere's due to filming of The Deathly Hallows.

Ron Weasley AKA Rupert Grint did take time out of a heavy shooting schedule to site down with the Daily Mail and pose for a few photos. He talks about how his acting opportunities may dry up after Harry Potter, what it ws like to kiss Emma Watson, and most importantly - his ice cream truck. Srsly. Like Emma & Daniel, I really like Rupert. He has grown up as part of one of the most successful film franchises ever and the most fun he has is drive around in an ice cream truck? Dina Lohan, you listening? Photos below.

Oh and just over 2 weeks till HP and the Half Blood Prince opens. Still debating the midnight screening - anyone wanna come?

Bachelorette is soo good tonight. I understand why Wes is still around. Check back tomorrow!

XO

Holy Mother 'effin' Day

Counting down the days until I am on vacation for a week and a half. 6 more days of work left. Woot!

I don't even know where to begin with today. So much smutastic news and so little time to review and opine about it. What a time for me to start this little venture.

Will.I.Am versus Perez Hilton

Ugh. This is so lame, but is big news. So Perez and Will got up in each others bizness at an afterparty for the MMVA's. Will told Perez he should respect him, Perez called him a "f#g", Perez got punched. Then Perez got scared and thought they might have guns so called 911. Then sent a call out to everyone on Twitter to call the 50 on his behalf. Srsly? Srsly? WTF? What a waste of fricking time is this. Glad to know my Canadian tax dollars are going to protect this douche.

I think the punching was wrong. But I also think that a self-confessed proponent of gay rights is just as much of a douche for calling someone a homophobic slur. To quote Perez on his 11 minute "statement" from this morning - "I made the split second decision that I was gonna say what I thought was the worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear...... I don't need to respect you and you're fag and you're gay and stop being such a faggot". What a dick.

And then to call 911 because of what basically amounts to a bar fight. You think they have guns? You were in Canada honey, we don't carry guns. And having people on Twitter also call 911. Dumb-ass. He is so annoying.

Extra special cheer for the BEP when I see them in October :) Opening for U2 bitches!

Chris Brown versus LA Prosecutors

Ahhh to be rich and young in Hollywood. You can beat the crap out of your girlfriend, but if you have the $$$ for a slick lawyer you will get what in my opinion amounts to a slap in the face. This was a FELONY assault and buddy walks away with no jail time. I am calling bullsh*t all over this. It is disappointing, but to be expected.

180 hours of picking up garbage & graffiti removal for a FELONY assault to which he plead guilty. 5 years probation for a FELONY assault. I hope he violates his probation immediately and ends up in jail. All I can say is WTF?

This a photo of the convicted felon only weeks after seriously assaulting his girlfriend. Doesn't he look penitent & contrite? Sorry for what he did? He makes me sick. Justice was most definitely not served today.

Jon & Kate are Dunzo!

And I still don't care.

Emma Watson shows Miley & Ali Lohan how it is done!

Oh my how Hermoine Granger has grown! The press machine for Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince is in full swing and Emma Watson seems to be at the forefront of it all. From her Burberry ads (loved them) to her multiple magazine covers, she is showing the other the other teen starlets (yea, I'm talking to you Miley) how to grow up in the public eye and not be a total brat.

These photos from Teen Vogue are total gorgeosity. Look at that waist! Holy mother, girl needs a Big Mac (or 12), but at least I have yet to see her flashing the paps, drunk stumbling out of a club or basically being an embarrassment to anyone. And her parents? hmmmm don't recall ever seeing them around. Take note Mama's Lohan and Cyrus - you can raise a child in the Biz without becoming a fame-whore yourself.

July 15th is the day. I am contemplating a midnite screening, but I have a staff meeting out at the new Richmond Oval that starts at the crack of dawn (transport leaves at 6.00am to go out there), so I don't know if that will work. I am still deciding. I am even more excited about this than I was about Twilight, and if you know me in real life, you would know that is saying a lot.

Speaking of Twilight, I was given the email address of someone at one of the more reputable magazines in Hollyweird as they want an inside source on all things Twilight when they come back in August. Haven't decided if I will do anything about it, but it is funny that everyone I work with knows who to contact for anything related to Twilight. I am such a dork.

Okay, gotta get my shizz together for work tomorrow. Still haven't watched last nite's True Blood. Maybe I could squeeze it in before bed? I heard it was a whole lot of awesome? Yes/No?

XO